Brazil demographic shifts: rising elderly internet use and single-person households

Brazil is experiencing significant demographic shifts characterized by an aging population and increased digital integration among seniors. According to IBGE data, internet usage among people aged 60 or older rose to 74.5% in 2025, up from 70.1% in 2024, marking the highest growth rate across all age groups. Additionally, mobile phone ownership in this demographic reached 80.3%.

These technological advancements are noted to support emotional well-being and social autonomy by facilitating communication with family and friends. Simultaneously, there is a growing trend of single-person households. Data from Brain Inteligência Estratégica and Abrainc indicates that 13.7 million Brazilians live alone, representing nearly one in five households. This figure has nearly tripled in two decades.

The majority of those living alone are not young; 41% are aged 60 or older, and 47% are between 30 and 59. Among women living alone, more than half are over 60. This shift is driven by increased longevity, delayed marriage, and smaller family sizes, prompting changes in the real estate market to accommodate smaller, more specialized housing units.